Eighty nine
As Dominic left his office, Clara's cries filled the hallway. Her voice was choked with desperation as she pleaded, "Dominic, wait! Please, don't abandon me! I'm sorry!" Her eyes were red, and tears streamed down her face as she tried to go after him.
But just as she took a step forward, two security guards emerged from the nearby elevator. They approached Clara, their expressions stern and unwavering. One of the guards spoke firmly, "Miss, the president has ordered us to escort you out of the premises. Please cooperate."
Clara's voice trembled as she resisted, her sobs breaking through her words. "No! You can't do this! Dominic wouldn't want this. It's a lie! Let me see him, please!"
The guards exchanged a glance, unaffected by her pleas. One of them tried to reason with her, his tone stern but empathetic, "Miss, we have our orders. It's best if you cooperate peacefully. We can't allow you to disturb the company or cause any further disruptions."
Clara's cries grew louder as she struggled against their hold. She continued to plead, her voice cracking with desperation, "Please, you have to believe me. Dominic wouldn't do this to me. He loves me. Let me talk to him!"
The guards, unyielding in their duty, maintained their grip on her and guided her forcefully towards the elevator. I watched the scene unfold before my eyes, stunned by the sudden turn of events. Clara's desperate cries echoed in the hallway as the security guards firmly escorted her away.
I couldn't help but feel a mix of pity and relief. Pity for her because she seemed genuinely distraught and relief because it meant I wouldn't have to deal with her harassment anymore. Her pleas fell on deaf ears, drowned out by the closing elevator doors. As the doors shut, Clara's anguished cries echoed down the hallway, fading away.
After they were gone, I turned to Vivian, who was still standing there. "Thank you for handling the situation," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I appreciate your assistance."
She smiled. "It's my duty. You should go and see him now."
"Ah yes..." I mouthed, remembering that he asked me to see him in his office, and I quickly approached his office.
I knocked on the door and entered, finding Dominic seated at his desk. He still looked indifferent and cold as usual, his gaze fixed upon me. The atmosphere in the room was tense, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of worry and panic. Would I be fired for the altercation with his girlfriend? After all, no matter what, she held a significant place in his life, and they might even get married in the future.
Dominic remained silent, his stoic expression unyielding. My heart raced, and my mind raced with thoughts of potential consequences. I needed to address the situation before his silence drove me to further panic.
Stuttering slightly, I began, "Sir, I... I'm deeply sorry for causing such a ruckus. It was never my intention, and I assure you I will be more careful and mindful of my actions in the future." My voice wavered as I tried to convey my regret and remorse.
Dominic continued to regard me with a seemingly impassive gaze, still not uttering a word. Panic welled up within me, and I hurriedly apologized once more, my voice filled with desperation. "I beg you, sir, please don't fire me. I'm truly sorry. I will do everything I can to rectify this situation and prove my dedication to the company."
To my surprise, Dominic's demeanour shifted slightly. He seemed taken aback by my plea, coughing uncomfortably and shifting in his seat. His response, or lack thereof, left me uncertain of what to expect.
Dominic's gaze remained fixed on me, his expression inscrutable. I couldn't decipher the meaning behind his cold stare, and doubt began to creep into my mind. Had his previous actions been merely a pretence? Did he truly support me, or was he merely going through the motions?
Feeling a knot of uncertainty in my stomach, I mustered the courage to speak once again, my voice filled with a mix of confusion and concern. "Sir, I apologize once more for my behaviour. I assure you that I won't engage in any further conflicts within the company. I understand the importance of maintaining professionalism, and I take full responsibility for my actions."
Dominic's silence stretched on, intensifying my anxiety. I couldn't help but wonder if my words had fallen on deaf ears. Was there more to the situation that I couldn't grasp? I desperately sought clarity, fearing the worst.
Finally, Dominic shook his head, his cold exterior softening ever so slightly. He broke the silence, his voice carrying a hint of understanding. "Selene, that's not what I meant. I'm not blaming you for what happened."
His unexpected response took me by surprise. I blinked, momentarily taken aback. "You're... you're not blaming me?" I stammered, trying to process his words.
He sighed, a trace of frustration evident in his voice. "No, Selene. You must understand that I don't expect you to be a passive bystander. Instead of resorting to fighting, I want you to come directly to me next time. Report the issue, and I'll ensure that justice is served."
I was taken aback, but I soon understood what he meant, and relief coursed through me. I bowed slightly. "I understand. Thank you, sir."
He nodded. "Since you understand, I hope nothing of such would not happen again. You can go now."
I nodded. "Yes, sir."
Without further ado, I stepped out of his office and left, closing the door behind me.